3 John 1:14
What does 3 John 1:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 3 John 1:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 3 John 1:14 means
John expresses hope to see Gaius soon and speak “face to face,” offering a blessing of peace and conveying greetings from “the friends,” with a request to greet them “by name.” The closing is tender and relational: peace is Christ’s gift to His people, and friends in the faith are family. Naming suggests personal knowledge and care; individuals matter. John’s pastoral method is not distant oversight but personal presence, mutual affection, and precise remembrance. The letter ends as it began—in truth and love—tying doctrine to daily fellowship. Even amid conflict, the church’s life is marked by peace, friendship, and intentional, personal welcome.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But I am hoping to see you in a short time, and to have talk with you face to face. May you have peace. Your friends here send you their love. Give my love to our friends by name.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I hope straightway to see thee, and mouth to mouth we shall speak. Peace to thee! salute thee do the friends; be saluting the friends by name.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But I hope speedily to see thee: and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but I hope soon to see thee, and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace [be] to thee. The friends greet thee. Greet the friends by name.
Context
Concluding the letter, John moves from the limits of writing (v. 13) to the promise of personal fellowship and a benediction of peace (v. 14). The greetings bind Gaius to a broader circle of believers, reminding him he is not isolated in facing opposition. The final words echo the epistle’s themes: truth lived out in relationships, hospitality extended intentionally, and leadership measured by love and fidelity. With this, the letter closes on hope, unity, and practical care within the body.
v.13I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen:
v.14This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 5:16
But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
- Romans 16:1
I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchreæ:
- Daniel 4:1
Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all the peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied unto you.
- Genesis 43:23
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.
- 1 Peter 5:14
Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.
- Ephesians 6:23
Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 3 John 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 3 John 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Hospitality
Hospitality, a sacred duty and a joyful expression of love, invites us to open our homes and hearts to others, serving as a powerful witness to God’s gracious character.
What the Bible says about…